Flamengo leads the IFFHS ranking with Palmeiras and Fluminense in the South American top 3 of 2025 By Thiago Lemos
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The Federação Internacional of História and Estatísticas of the Futebol (IFFHS) released the annual ranking of the best clubs in the América of the Sul for 2025. The Flamengo occupies the first position with 400 points, followed by the Esse survey considers performance in national and international competitions between December 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025.
Brazilian clubs demonstrate strength by occupying the top three places. The evaluated period highlights the achievements of Flamengo in Brasileirão and in Copa Libertadores. Essa hegemony reflects the investment and consistency of the country’s teams on the continent.
NO HAY DUDA DEL 1🔴⚫️
— 365Scores (@365ScoresApp)December 29, 2025
🔥🇧🇷 La IFFHS published the ranking of the 10 best teams from Sudamérica and the Brazilian domain is clear:
🏆⚽ El Mengão was chosen best team of the year, after a season…pic.twitter.com/WX43cbi4s8
Brazilian dominance at the top
Flamengo accumulates 400 points thanks to victories in decisive tournaments. The red-black club beats Palmeiras by 22 points. Essa difference arises from victorious campaigns in high-profile competitions.
- Flamengo: champion of Libertadores and Brasileirão.
- Palmeiras: runner-up in both competitions.
- Fluminense: consistent performance in the knockout stages.
Fluminense guarantees third place even without major titles in the evaluated period. The score reflects regular participation in continental tournaments.
Positions in the South American top 10
Five Brazilian clubs appear among the ten best on the continent. The Botafogo is fourth with 264 points and the Atlético-MG is eighth with 216 points. Racing, from Argentina, is the best non-Brazilian in fifth place with 234 points.
Other highlights include Atlético Nacional’s Colômbia in sixth and Equador’s LDU in seventh. Times Argentines like River Plate and Lanús complete the top 10.
IFFHS scoring criteria
A IFFHSupdates the ranking monthly based on results from official competitions. Pontos vary depending on the level of competition, prioritizing international tournaments such as Libertadores.
The jury includes experts from more than 120 countries. Essa methodology has existed since 1987 and values wins, draws and stages reached.
Brazilian presence in the world ranking
Flamengo, Palmeiras and Fluminense also lead among Brazilians in the global ranking ofIFFHS. Flamengo appears in eighth position worldwide. Essa placement reinforces the competitiveness of Brazilian football against European clubs.
Palmeiras follows close behind in ninth place. Fluminense ranks 14th globally.
Other Brazilians on the continent
In addition to the top 3, the South American ranking includes more representatives from Brasil in the top 20. Cruzeiro is in 12th with 201 points. São Paulo, Bahia and Corinthians are also present.
This distribution shows the depth of national football. Clubes from different regions contribute to the continental domain.
How detailed calculation works
The score considers different weights for national and continental leagues. Vitórias in final stages of Libertadores yield more points.
Draws and defeats also influence, but with less impact. The system prioritizes consistency over the 12 months evaluated.
Comparison with previous years
Brazilian dominance in 2025 repeats recent patterns in the ranking ofIFFHS. Clubes of the country often occupy multiple positions in the South American top 10.
This trend accompanies investments in professional squads and structures. The competitiveness of Brasileirão helps prepare teams for international tournaments.
Outstanding foreign clubs
Racing represents Argentina as the best non-Brazilian in the top 5. River Plate and Lanús also score well.
Teams from Colômbia and Equador appear in the middle of the table. Essa diversity shows relative balance outside of Brasil.
Legacy of the 2025 ranking
The survey ofIFFHSconsolidates 2025 as a year of Brazilian affirmation on the continent. High scores indicate memorable campaigns.
Top clubs prepare for future challenges based on this assessment. The ranking serves as a reference for annual performance analyses.